Sean Payton on hiring of special teams guru Mike Westhoff: 'I felt like we needed help'

Updated Nov 16, 2017; Posted Nov 16, 2017

File photo: Then-New York Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff during the first half the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Rich Kane, AP)

So, given a chance to lure long-time NFL special teams coach Mike Westhoff out of retirement and add him to the coaching staff, the decision came easy.

"I just think the opportunity to bring someone with his credentials to our team is one that made so much sense," Payton said Thursday. "And fortunately, we were able to recruit (him) off his boat in Florida."

Westhoff joined the coaching staff with the Saints ranked at or near the bottom of the league statistically in essential special teams categories through Week 10 under first-year coordinator Bradford Banta.

The kickoff return unit currently ranks 28th in the league (19.4 yards per attempt), while the punt return unit ranks 30th (5.2 yards per attempt). The Saints also rank 29th in kickoff coverage (25.9 yard allowed per attempt) and 27th in punt coverage (11.4 yards allowed per attempt).

The Saints also experienced issues with muffed punts during the seven-game winning streak.

New Orleans wanted to addresses the problems with the hiring of Westhoff.

"I felt like we needed help and I felt like he can bring a level of expertise to our groups," Payton said. "Look, I think sometimes what can happen during success is you can lose track of where you're needing to improve."

Westhoff, 69, joins the team with an accomplished NFL coaching resume, having previously served as the special teams coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (1986-200) and the New York Jets (2001-12).

In his current role, Westhoff will not assume an advisory position with Banta and special teams assistant coach Kevin O'Dea.

Instead, Payton points out Westhoff will be in charge.

"He'll oversee it," Payton said. "But Brad and Kevin are going to work closely with him and the transition of where we're at now, who the players are, who's been playing in these roles. I just think it's a unique opportunity and it was something that I felt would help us."

The hiring of Westhoff during the regular season is reminiscent of the addition of O'Dea, who joined the Saints after Week 11 of the 2016 season.

O'Dea made an immediate impact in the kicking game working closely with Wil Lutz, who finished strong season after a shaky start.

The Saints are hopeful that Westhoff can also have a positive influence on the path to improvement.

"Clearly in our league, his reputation of being an outstanding teacher, as well as someone that has good thoughts, I think, is going to benefit our group," Payton said. "I think it will benefit Brad and Kevin, as well, just having a chance to work with a guy like this."